What are EIFS products?
Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS)
EIFS are integrated systems used on exterior walls to provide a highly-efficient, multi-layer barrier incorporating base materials, insulation, drainage or water resistance and a textured protective finished surface.
What are the types of EIFS?
EIFS is available in two basic types: a barrier wall system or a wall drainage system.
What is EIFS used for?
An Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS), also known as EWI (Exterior Wall Insulation Systems) or External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) is a type of cladding system that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system.
What is the main problem with EIFS products?
The problems with barrier EIFS cladding all stem from water intrusion. These problems include moisture accumulation in the wall cavity, subsequent wood damage and, in more advanced cases, mold growth and the infestation of pests such as carpenter ants or termites.
What is an EFIS?
An Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) is a flight deck instrument display system in which the display technology used is electronic rather than electromechanical.
When was EIFS first used?
In the late 1950s, EPS and synthetic resin materials were first used together. In 1963, EIFS were first marketed in Europe, and in 1969, EIFS were first introduced in the United States. They were first used on commercial buildings, and later, on homes.
Is stucco considered EIFS?
What is EIFS? Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat.
Is EIFS still used today?
Today’s EIFS is one of the most highly tested and well researched building cladding systems in the building industry. Additionally, it provides many advantages as an exterior cladding for commercial and residential construction.
Is EIFS a good product?
The leading reason EIFS has gained popularity is the increased insulation. EIFS is more flexible than traditional stucco as well, so there is less cracking and crumbling as a result of shifting foundations or thermal expansion. The fiberglass layer provides more durability, even against hard blows from weather.
How is EIFS installed?
EIFS may be attached by mechanical fasteners (as shown) or by adhesive (as shown below). EIFS attached to concrete or masonry using adhesive. Mechanical fasteners may also be used. The Expanded Polystyrene Board (EPS) is placed on the wall in a running-bond pattern.
Is EIFS still being used?
Yet today, EIFS are still around. About 100 million square feet of EIFS went on new and remodeled homes last year, rivaling any other siding material.
How do you tell if I have EIFS?
The easiest way to identify synthetic stucco (EIFS) is by touching the material with your bare hand. When you touch the wall where the stucco is installed, it will feel like plastic. You can also knock gently on the wall. If it sounds hollow and thin, you have EIFS on your home.
How can you tell if a building has EIFS?
Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.
Why is EIFS good?
According to the EIFS Industry Members Association, “EIFS can reduce air infiltration by as much as 55% compared to standard brick or wood construction.” The use of insulation board in the application of EIFS can increase the R-value of a building by R-4 per inch of insulation, thus reducing heating and cooling costs …
How long does EIFS last?
A. Dryvit EIFS are designed to last for the typical design life of a building. The actual longevity on any specific building will depend mainly on the building maintenance program. Some EIFS facades date back 50-60 years.
When did builders stop using EIFS?
Future homeowners loved the look of the EIFS houses. The recession of 1990 was the only thing that slowed down the business as the EIFS industry’s sales dropped for the first time in 1991.
How much does EIFS cost?
EIFS is one of the most economical systems available, with an estimated material cost per square foot at $0.86 and installation cost of $5 to $6, which compares with the cost per square foot for brick at $1.25 with an installation cost of $8.50. EIFS also provides several other advantages over brick construction.
Is EIFS stucco still used?
Can you pressure wash EIFS?
The best way to clean EIFS is to use high water volume coupled with low water pressure and non-abrasive cleaners. Do not use caustic chemicals or abrasive cleaning techniques, which will permanently damage the finish.
What can I replace EIFS with?
EIFS Replacement Options: To replace existing EIFS most of our clients choose Hardieplank, or cedar siding with Cultured Stone accents.
When did EIFS stop being used?
Despite the water intrusion issues that occurred in the fall of 1995, EIFS industry sales (including commercial and residential sales) peaked in 1996. However, the overall business continued to drop until 2002.